TOKYO GOLF CLUB, Japan (July 16, 2008)--The United States won three matches and halved another to claim a 7-5 lead after the first round of the 33rd annual Fuji Xerox USA vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship at Tokyo Golf Club.
Team USA got off to a quick start when Kevin O’Connell shot four-under and he and Zack Sucher dominated the opening match, winning 140-153. The Americans would also claim the second match when Brent Witcher and Chris Wolfe downed Hiroki Abe and Hiroki Nashida 142-143.

Witcher was also four-under in his match. Japan would claim the next match 138-141 when Yuki Usami and Shunsuke Sonoda beat Nick Bova and Ryan Spears. The two sides halved the final men’s match after a strong rally by Sam Cyr and Andrew Putnam.
The two teams would split the women’s matches. Nanae Shinzato and Kaoria Azuma defeated Sydnee Michaels and Lizette Salas, 145-147.

America claimed the final match of the day when Cydney Clanton’s five-under-par 69 propelled her and Jessica Yadloczky to a 146-151 victory.
The second round will begin Friday at 8:30 a.m. (GMT +9).